Tips for Ordering LP and Single Protective Sleeves

At Walvis, we offer an extensive range of plastic outer sleeves for vinyl records. That’s fantastic news for vinyl enthusiasts! But we also understand that it can be difficult to decide from a distance which type of sleeve best suits your collection. What are the differences between the materials? And which sleeve offers the best protection for your valuable LPs and singles?
To help you make the right choice, we’ve outlined the different materials, thicknesses, and pros and cons of our protective sleeves below.

Flexible and Affordable: Polyethylene Sleeves (LDPE)

Low-Density Polyethylene (abbreviated LDPE or PE) is one of the most popular materials for vinyl sleeves. These plastic LP sleeves are not only budget-friendly but also have excellent antistatic properties – helping to keep your LPs and singles free from dust and dirt.

Pros:

• Soft and flexible: LDPE sleeves are pleasantly soft and flexible, making them easy to app
• Antistatic: This material repels dust and prevents static charges from building up.
• Wrinkles but recovers: If the material gets creased, it usually flattens out on its own.
• Affordable: If you’re looking for cost-effective protection, PE sleeves are an excellent choice.

Cons:

• Transparency: LDPE is not as clear as some other materials. It has a slightly milky tint and may not always be perfectly smooth in structure.
• No lowered opening on some variants: This can make inserting and removing records a bit more difficult.

At Walvis, we offer LDPE sleeves in different thicknesses:

• 0.10 mm – For singles, 78 rpm records, and LP box sets
• 0.11 mm – Standard for LPs
• 0.15 mm – Extra heavy-duty quality, suitable for both LPs and singles

Note: Thickness is a matter of preference, not necessarily better protection. Thinner sleeves still offer solid protection, but thicker sleeves feel sturdier.

Crystal Clear and Glossy: Blake Sleeves©

Looking for sleeves that give your vinyl a crystal-clear shine? Blake Sleeves, made from BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene), are ideal. This material has a glass-like clarity and a crisp, firm feel.

Pros:

• Glossy and transparent: Extremely clear, so your LPs and singles look their very best.
• Lowered opening: Makes it easy to slide records in and out.
• Great for packaging and archiving: The sleeves fit tightly around your records, making them perfect for storage.
• Resealable: Versions with a flap and adhesive strip keep dust and dirt out, available for singles, LPs, mini-LPs, and double LP albums.

Cons:

• Durability: Due to their thinness (0.05 mm / 50 micron), Blake Sleeves are slightly less durable than thicker materials
• No antistatic properties: Unlike LDPE sleeves, these do not reduce static.

Heavy Duty Blake Sleeves©

Looking for extra protection? At Walvis, we also offer Blake Sleeves in different thicknesses. Our heavy-duty version is built to last and provides excellent durability while maintaining almost the same level of transparency.

• 0.05 mm – For singles, LPs, mini-LPs, and double LP albums
• 0.09 mm – Heavy-duty Blake Sleeves, thick quality, available for LPs with or without flap.

Rigid and Elegant: PVC Sleeves

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) sleeves have been a trusted standard in vinyl protection since the 1960s. They provide the very best protection for your LPs and singles. PVC sleeves feature a glass-clear, glossy finish that gives your records an extra touch of elegance.

Pros:

• Excellent protection: Because LPs and singles often “float” more inside these sleeves (thanks to the reinforced welded edge), they provide superior protection against impact, pressure marks, and damage.
• Strong and durable: PVC is thick and robust, giving the sleeves a longer lifespan.
• Easy to use: The lowered opening makes it simple to insert and remove records.
• Crystal clear with shine: PVC sleeves offer the best transparency and a premium glossy look.

Cons:

• Price: PVC sleeves are generally thicker, heavier, and provide maximum protection, making them the more expensive choice.
• No antistatic properties: Like most rigid sleeves, PVC sleeves do not reduce static.

At Walvis, you’ll find a wide range of PVC sleeves: from standard single and LP sleeves to gatefold and tri-fold sleeves. We also carry the right sizes for double LPs.

Our PVC sleeves are available in different thicknesses:

• 0.14 mm – Light, flexible, and economical
• 0.18 mm – Heavy-duty “vintage style” LP sleeves, made the same way since the 1960s, offering the best protection

Which One Will You Choose?

Now that you have a clearer overview of the different protective sleeves, it’s time to decide which best fits your collection. Here are a few tips:

• Looking for an affordable option? Go with LDPE (polyethylene) record sleeves – ideal for great value for money.
• Prefer crystal-clear with extra class? Choose Blake Sleeves – super transparent, though slightly less durable.
• Want the ultimate protection? PVC record sleeves are the best choice for your LPs and singles, especially for long-term storage.

Whether you have a large vinyl collection or are just starting out, the right sleeve is essential for protecting your records. At Walvis Products, you’ll find a wide selection of vinyl protective sleeves to suit every need and budget.

Tip: Still have questions about which sleeve is right for your records? Or would you like personal advice?
Feel free to contact us – we’re happy to help!